Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives